Movie ‘Lone Survivor’ tells the story of Penn State alumnus Murphy’s sacrifice

January 13, 2014

Movie ‘Lone Survivor’ tells the story of Penn State alumnus Murphy’s sacrifice

The release this week of the movie “Lone Survivor” has brought a resurgence of interest surrounding Penn State alumnus and Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy. Murphy was killed on June 28, 2005, in Afghanistan when he and three other Navy SEALs went on a reconnaissance mission into Taliban territory.

The trailer for the movie offers a glimpse of the four military members' accidental encounter with goat herders and the battle that ensued after the men made the decision to release them. During the battle, Murphy -- played by actor Taylor Kitsch -- makes a brave choice that costs him his life. The movie is based on a book of the same name by Marcus Luttrell, who was best friends with Murphy and the only one to survive.

Penn State, the U.S. government, the military and others all have recognized Murphy for his sacrifice to the United States.

Timeline of posthumous honors for Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy:

-- On Oct. 22, 2007, President George W. Bush presented Murphy’s parents, Daniel and Maureen, with the Medal of Honor.

-- On Oct. 27, 2007, Penn State honored Murphy, who graduated in 1998 with degrees in political science and psychology, before more than 110,000 people during the Penn State-Ohio State football game.

-- In 2008, Penn State recognized Murphy as a distinguished alumnus, the highest honor bestowed by the University.

-- On May 7, 2008, Murphy was again honored when U.S. Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced that the newest guided-missile destroyer would be named the USS Michael Murphy.

-- In 2011, The Office of Undergraduate Education received funding from the Lt. Michael P. Murphy USN Memorial Foundation to create the Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Award. Those interested in contributing to this scholarship can call 814-863-4826.

-- On March 1, 2013, the Veterans Plaza, a gift from Penn State’s class of 2011, was dedicated. The plaza is located on Penn State’s University Park campus and is named for Murphy.

Murphy has received other honors -- including a park and post office in Long Island, N.Y., -- which each bear his name.

Image Gallery

On Oct. 22, 2007, President George W. Bush presented Lt. Michael P. Murphy’s parents, Daniel and Maureen, with the Medal of Honor.

Image: Penn State

-- On Oct. 27, 2007, Penn State honored Murphy, who graduated in 1998 with degrees in political science and psychology, before more than 110,000 people during the Penn State-Ohio State football game. His parents Maureen and Daniel Murphy are shown here during that ceremony.

Image: Pat Mansell

The Veterans Plaza on the University Park campus of Penn State is named for Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy, a 1998 Penn State graduate. Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroic actions during the war in Afghanistan.

Image: Ann Taylor-Schmidt

Mural artist Michael Pilato added a painting of fallen Navy Seal Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy along Heister Street in State College, Pa., December 2011. Murphy, a Penn State alumnus, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and sacrifice during a mission in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.